Why You Can Trust CNET Get a refurbished MacBook Air 11.6 for $499.99
From the Cheapskate: It's an older model, but also a higher-end configuration than you typically see at this price.
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Morning, cheeps! Today is a rerun of sorts, but the best possible kind: Same bargain price, better configuration than last time.
I'm a longtime Windows user, at least on the laptop side of things, but the drool starts flowing whenever I see a MacBook Air. It's just gorgeous hardware -- but, oh, so expensive.
Originally $1,099, this MacBook Air 11 is on sale for $499.99 out the door!
Or not, if you're willing to opt for a refurbished unit. Like this one: For a limited time, and while supplies last, TechRabbit has the refurbished MacBook Air MD711LL/A 11.6-inch laptop for $499.99 shipped. That's after applying promo code CNETMD711 at checkout.
The last time I wrote about this model, it was the entry-level version: slow processor, limited RAM and storage, etc.
This configuration includes an Intel Core i5, 4GB of RAM and 128GB of solid-state storage. The 11.6-inch screen is a far cry from Retina, as it has a native resolution of 1,366 x 768, but I'd argue that's more than sufficient for this size.
As I mentioned above, I'm not a Mac user, and therefore not an expert. So I'll turn you over to CNET's Scott Stein, who reviewed this model and had mostly good things to say about it: comfy backlit keyboard, USB 3.0 ports, travel-friendly 2.4-pound chassis, etc. The big complaint? Price. But that was when the entry-level configuration sold for $999, and this exact one for $1,099.
Interestingly, although this comes from a third-party reseller, it's listed as having a one-year warranty -- same as you get for refurbs purchased from Apple proper.
It's a little late to be eyeballing laptops for students, but I think this would be a great pick for anyone lugging a backback. Or anyone seeking an ultra-thin, ultra-light PC that doesn't cost at least $800. I'm sure I'll get some dings for recommending an Apple product on a blog for cheapskates, but $500 is extremely respectable for a laptop like this.
Your thoughts?
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Bonus deal No. 2: How can I let a week go by without a Bluetooth speaker deal? Answer: can't. For a limited time, you can get the Vtin Rocker portable Bluetooth speaker for $16.99 when you apply promotion code F89PWRB4 at checkout. Regular price: $30.99.
It's water-resistant and comes with a caribiner clip. It also sports a built-in microphone for speakerphone calling and a built-in LED flashlight for finding your way in the dark. Battery life is estimated at around 8 hours.